Senator Hillary Clinton Announces Senate Passage of Measure Requiring GAO Study on Shared Border Management

By newsdesk - Posted on December 20th, 2007

Measure Included in FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

December 19, 2007 -- Washington, DC – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced Senate passage of the Fiscal Year 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which includes an amendment she sponsored to require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to provide a study on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) use of Shared Border Management (SBM). In announcing the amendment, Senator Clinton underscored the importance of the study to New York's northern border communities.

Having been approved by the Senate, the bill will now go before the House for final passage before being sent to the President for signature.
“After three years, the Department of Homeland Security will at last be forced to explain why Shared Border Management was not possible at the site of the Peace Bridge,” said Senator Clinton. “This measure will ensure that New Yorkers finally get the answers they deserve, as well as the guidance and resources needed to help reduce the burden on Buffalo and the State of New York.”

Senator Clinton’s amendment requires the GAO to study the Department of Homeland Security's use of shared border management to secure the international borders of the United States. The GAO’s report shall include any negotiations, plans, or designs conducted DHS regarding the practice of shared border management and the factors required to be in place for shared border management to be successful.

Senator Clinton earlier addressed her concerns regarding the failure of DHS to secure a SBM agreement in a letter to Secretary Chertoff and asked the Secretary to provide reassurance that now that Shared Border Management has failed, the Administration will help local communities move forward to fix the problems at the Buffalo/Niagara Border.

Source: Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton

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